Federal Fire Service trains journalists on fire prevention, safety
By David Elizabeth
The Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command, on Monday organised a fire safety training session for staff of The Informant247 newsroom, stressing the need for prevention and preparedness amid rising fire incidents.
The delegation, led by the Head of Training, DSF Hammad Oladipo, alongside the Public Relations Officer, DSF Modibbo Ibrahim, and other officers, sympathised with journalists over a recent fire incident involving a photojournalist who lost equipment worth millions of naira.
Addressing the newsroom, Ibrahim said, “This training is designed to equip media professionals with practical knowledge of fire safety.”
He warned that fire is often underestimated despite its everyday use. “Fire is often neglected. We use it every day. We cook with it, our vehicles depend on it, and electricity is connected to it. Yet it remains very dangerous,” he said.
During the session, Assistant Superintendent of Fire Abdulrazaq Shuaib delivered a lecture on fire safety. “Fire occurs when three elements are present: oxygen, heat and fuel,” he explained.
He added, “When there is air, fire can spread. Fuel includes anything that can burn, such as chairs, clothes and other materials, while excessive heat increases the chances of an outbreak.”
Shuaib also walked participants through different classes of fire. “We have fires involving solid materials, flammable liquids and gases found in homes, offices and vehicles,” he said.
On how fire spreads, he cautioned, “Fire develops through radiation and convection, and the flashover stage is particularly dangerous.”
Speaking on prevention, Ibrahim urged journalists to take safety seriously.
“Make sure there is a central switch and always switch it off when leaving,” he said. “Poor wiring and overloading remain major causes of fire outbreaks.”
He also addressed common kitchen incidents. “Most kitchen fires occur due to negligence. Simple actions can stop fire by removing its key elements.”
Explaining further, he noted, “To remove oxygen from fire, you cover it. To remove fuel, you take away anything that can burn. To remove heat, you cool it.”
He warned against using water on electrical fires. “Water is a good conductor of electricity, so it is not safe. The best thing is to switch off the source of power.”
The session featured a practical demonstration of fire extinguisher use. “Extinguisher is the only thing that can help you stay safe before firefighters come,” Ibrahim said.
He demonstrated the technique: “Pull out the safety pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the lever and sweep side by side. The pin prevents accidental discharge.”
On suitable equipment, he added, “Carbon dioxide extinguishers and ABC powder extinguishers can tackle different classes of fire, including those involving solid materials, flammable liquids and gas cylinders.”
In their remarks, Oladipo and Modibbo emphasised public awareness. “Fire safety awareness is key to protecting lives and property,” they said, urging the media to support ongoing sensitisation.
“To be fire safe is to be fire prepared,” they urged participants.
The Publisher and CEO of The Informant247, Salihu Shola Taofeek, expressed appreciation after the session.
“This training is timely, and our staff have learnt valuable lessons,” he said. “We encourage the fire service to sustain such efforts, as they align with their preventive mandate and can help reduce fire incidents.”
